Sunday, November 27, 2016

As humans we have a tendency to hold on to all the “negatives”. We remember the mean and hurtful things that people say. We criticize ourselves far too often. We allow the negatives to pile up in our minds leaving little to no room for anything positive. Because of this, it may be difficult to recognize the good. We are programmed to believe that thinking or saying anything positive about ourselves will make us appear cocky or conceited; and we feel as though putting ourselves down is being “humble”.

Aside from running BE WISE, I work at a high school as the youth advocate. My biggest priority for my students is to help them recognize their worth. While their attendance and grades are so important, helping themto understand their significant role in life means far more to me.

One of the projects I did with my students was called “I AM ABLE”. As I met with my 80+ students one on one I asked them to describe themselves with one positive word. It broke my heart as many of them struggled to come up with one word. So, I turned it into a little game... Bear with me as I explain the game to you.

Pretend that you are one of my darling students as I give you a few directions...

I want you to go inside your mind and create a “mini you”. Do you see yourself? What are you wearing? I bet you look great! Now, I need that “mini you” to run around and gather up all of the “negatives” inside your brain. So, this includes anytime anyone has ever said anything hurtful, any yucky experiences, or anytime you have ever thought anything negative about yourself. Are you doing it? Did you get them all? How big is your pile? Make sure you don’t leave ANY behind.

Next, I need you to take that pile and put it in the “garbage can of your brain”; we all have one, what color is yours? Perfect.

Now, when you throw garbage away at your home, do you just let it pile up all over your house? I sure hope not. That would be pretty gross. What do you do with it? Chances are, you probably take it outside to the big garbage cans. Well, what happens after that? The garbage man comes, right? And he takes your trash to the dump.

Let’s go back inside your brain for a minute. We just threw away your negatives, its time to take the trash out. I need you to create a mini garbage man to come and take your trash to the dump. Did he come? Good. What a nice guy.

Now, in real life, how often do you go to the dump to visit your trash? Do you ever worry about it, think about it, or go check up on it? Probably not. That would just be weird. It’s trash. It’s at the dump where it belongs. There is no reason for you to go and visit it.

Okay... Back to your brain... We just gathered up all your negatives, threw them away, and the garbage man just took them to the dump - because let’s be honest - those negatives were all trash. You don’t need them anymore.

Sometimes our negatives creep back in - and sometimes new ones appear. That’s fine, and totally normal. When it happens, simply “take them to the dump.”

Just like you wouldn’t let trash pile up in your house, don’t let trash pile up in your mind. TAKE IT TO THE DUMP. Once its there, let it go. Don’t go visit. Don’t go say “what’s up”. Leave it there.

Now that all your “negatives” are gone, you have plenty of space in your brain for all things “positive”. You can clearly see yourself and who you are because your vision is not clouded by yucky negatives. So, since you can see yourself clearly, you don’t have negatives getting in the way, tell me who you are. What is one positive word that describes YOU? Don’t be shy, don’t hold back. Tell me who you really are.

At this point I got out a piece of paper and a sharpie. I then asked the student to write “I AM______” and fill in the blank with the word they chose. After they wrote it, they had to hold the paper up, (in front of their face for privacy reasons) and let me take a picture.

With those photos I created a video that STILL brings me to tears each time I watch it. My office is also filled with their “I AM...” images.

Just as my students are ABLE, just as they took their negatives to the trash, you too have power beyond comprehension. Your mind is so incredibly powerful. Do not feed it lies. Do not fill it with trash. Being your best self mentally means monitoring the things you allow into your mind.

As you read through "Be Your Best Self: MENTALLY", our latest issue of BE WISE, I hope that you are able to learn how to be your best self mentally. That you will recognize the power of your thoughts and strive to consciously CHOOSE to “throw away the negative” and hold on to the positive.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Each and every single person on this planet has a purpose.

I believe that mine is helping others recognize that purpose within themselves.

I believe in the goodness in other people. I see the good. I see the worth. I see the potential. Sometimes, even to a fault.

I have an undeniable and overwhelming desire to make a positive difference in this world. Nearly every aspect of my life is dedicated to uplifting, inspiring, and motivating other people. Helping others recognize their worth and potential is something that I am deeply passionate about.

I choose to work a low paying job where I am overqualified because I believe in my students. I believe in their potential and I can clearly see their value. When they might not be able to see it, I remind them of their infinite worth.

I own an online magazine that is dedicated to promoting self-worth. I spend countless hours creating and producing this magazine with very little monetary outcome because I believe in the power that it possesses. I believe in the importance of making a difference and spreading goodness.

With so much of my life being dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others, at times I can end up feeling a little discouraged. My dreams and goals of changing the world are so large that they often feel unattainable. And maybe, they are.

Today I was feeling especially overwhelmed and the thought came to my mind, "You are just one person, you can't really make a difference."Then, almost immediately, a new thought came. "You are one person, and one person is all it takes."

Sure, I might not be able to change the whole world. I might not ever have a global influence. But, that does not mean that I can't make a difference. That does not mean that my efforts aren't valuable.

Maybe I won't have any students with a perfect 4.0, but I will (and do) have students who know I believe in them. I will have students who know they are worth fighting for. I will have students who will learn to see their worth simply because they know I see it. I might not have a magazine that is on every single cash register rack. I might not have a magazine that makes millions. But I do have a magazine that truly makes a difference. Even if there was only one person who ever read it and was ever motivated or inspired by it, that one person is enough because that ONE person matters.

Each life that we change for good makes a difference. Each person we are kind to, smile at, serve, or believe in, matters. You are just one person, and the beauty in that is just one person can make a difference. YOU matter. Your influence reaches farther than you know. Don't give up because you feel like you can't make a difference. The fact that you are even trying is difference enough.

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Thursday, July 21, 2016

It seems as if every day I hear about another devastating situation occurring in our world. Countless riots, shootings, innocent people being killed, cops being killed, terrorism...the list goes on. In fact, just this month 3 teens were shot and killed in my very own city - one of which unfortunately happened to be one of my darling students. With all of this going on, there is definitely reason to worry and feel concerned about our world.

However, even with all this turmoil, I have found peace. I am not afraid.

I am not afraid because of what I know. I have found peace in a world that seems to be in a constant state of frightening unrest.

This peace has come from a place that by many has been scrutinized, misunderstood, and belittled. I am an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is through this membership that I have learned all the skills to get myself happily and safely through this life.

I was raised in the gospel. When I turned 8 I was baptized and became an "official" member. I have spent every Sunday going to church - all three hours. This might seem to be all it takes to be "active". Going to church every week. Right? While important, this is not all that it takes. Each and every single day I have to ACTIVELY choose to live what I believe. The more I do this, the less I have to fear.

Through striving to actively live the gospel I have learned so much that has offered me strength during these difficult times. Below are just three examples that have brought me peace and helped me to not fear.

WE ALL HAVE A PURPOSE + GOD HAS A PLAN

I am grateful to be a part of a religion that has taught me who I am, why I am here, and where I am going. Just as I know that I have a purpose, so do you. Everyone on Earth is here for a very specific reason. We will each experience our own set of trials and triumphs that were personally created and planned for our own individual progress and growth.

God has a plan for each of us. If we trust in his plan and do all that we can to live our lives the best we are capable, everything will work out in the end. Knowing this helps me get through all the trials that I might encounter in my own life. Whether it's the day-to-day struggles, or something as big as the death of a loved one, I can find peace. I KNOW that God has a perfect plan. All I have to do is trust in Him.

EVERY LIFE MATTERS + ALL I HAVE TO DO IS LOVE

Each Sunday, while I was 12-18 years old, with other young women in my neighborhood, I recited a theme. A theme that now as I reflect back, offered me peace and comfort that I may have overlooked at the time. I proudly stated out loud, "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him..."

In a world where there are so many conflicting beliefs and points of view, I am becoming more and more grateful that I have a knowledge that EVERY SINGLE LIFE MATTERS + ALL I HAVE TO DO IS LOVE. Black, white, purple, green, orange, brown, gay, straight, male, female - it doesn't matter. In God's eyes we are ALL important, we ALL deserve love.

The theme I recited each Sunday at church did not say - "Only members of this church are children of God." "WE" is all encompassing. God loves ALL of us. We ALL matter. It doesn't matter who we are, where we are from, what we look like, how many followers we have, or even what we might have done, our WORTH never changes. Our worthiness can be affected by our choices, but our WORTH is never changing.

Through the gospel I have learned not only that I have INFINITE worth, but that all those who ever have, or ever will live, have the same amount of worth. God loves all of His children. While I might have differing opinions or disagree with the lifestyle that some are living, at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter. All God expects is for me to love. Many of the issues the world is facing today could completely disappear if everyone could realize that all we really have to do is love. If God, who is perfect, can love even the vilest of sinners, who am I to decide who, where, and when I give love. EVERY life matters.

WE SHOULD ALL BE FREE TO BELIEVE HOW, WHERE, AND WHAT WE WANT

I am a part of a religion that has taught me to not only strive to be perfectly obedient, but perfectly tolerant as well; to be loving, accepting, and kind to those who may not believe or live the same way that I do. A common misconception is that the LDS Church is judgmental, bigoted, "closed-minded", and is simply trying to "shove our religion down your throat". That could not be farther from the truth.

Never in my 26 years of going to church, seminary, or institute, was I ever taught to be judgmental, bigoted, or "closed-minded". In fact, most lessons are the exact opposite. We are taught about being kind, loving, and accepting of others. "Love One Another" is one of the most popular songs in LDS culture where children as young as 3 years old are taught the lyrics.

Just today I was in an institute class where we were instructed on the importance of striving to UNDERSTAND and being KIND to those who believe differently than we do. We were shown a video that was made by the LDS Church to help teach members how to treat and interact with those who might see things differently than we do. In my opinion, that sure does not sound like a church who is hateful, unaccepting or judgmental. (Video HERE).

The principle of agency is one of the very most important aspects of the gospel. We believe that we are here on Earth to learn, grow, and prove ourselves in order to make it back into the presence of our Heavenly Father. "Agency is the ability and privilege God gives us to choose and to act for ourselves. Agency is essential in the plan of salvation. Without agency, we would not be able to learn or progress or follow the Savior. With it, we are 'free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the power of the devil.' (2 Nephi 2:27)" -LDS.ORG

One of our Thirteen Articles of Faith - which are our most basic guiding principles, is: "We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege let them worship how, where, or what they may."

Why would a religion that teaches the importance of agency, and "allowing all men the same privilege" of worshiping or believing what they wish, want to FORCE anyone to believe what we believe? We don't. That just doesn't make sense. Some might argue that we shouldn't be sending missionaries out to share the gospel then.... Again, a common misconception.

I want you to imagine for a moment that you have theeeee most delicious [insert dessert of your choice] in the world! It is absolutely life changing. It has improved your life and you love it more than anything. Now you have a few options. You could 1. keep it to yourself and never share it with anyone. It would continue "blessing" your life, but no one else could ever receive those "blessings". 2. You could offer it to someone and have them reject you. Maybe they don't like [dessert of your choice], or maybe they have their own [dessert of their choice]. It is okay if they say "no thank you", you still offered. 3. You offer [dessert of your choice] to someone and they gladly accept. They are so excited! They have been praying to find something like this. It blesses their life forever, and you were able to share it with them.

For members of the church, the knowledge of the gospel and the blessings that it brings to our lives is just like the "dessert" in this example. We love it so much. It has improved our lives. We can't help but want to share it with others. This is not to be confused with "trying to shove it down your throat". If any of us become a little "overzealous" in sharing what we believe, please forgive us... we can't help but be excited about sharing something so wonderful.

Understanding that everyone deserves to believe what they believe "how, where, and what they may", has given me the confidence to realize I am included in "EVERYONE". My opinion does matter. My beliefs are just as important as anyone else's beliefs. The more I share what I believe, the more that I am strengthened IN my beliefs. Sharing how the gospel has blessed my life brings me peace. A comfort that in a world with so much fear... I am not afraid.

What helps you to not fear?

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Monday, July 18, 2016

BEcoming Threads is a company that is honestly outstanding. We love what they are doing and the message they are spreading through their products. Their moto,"Let what you wear tell your story" is exemplified through each of their shirts.

Luckily for you, we have teamed up with BEcoming Threadsto get one of you a FREE "Keep it simple" gray tee, just like the one our darling Lexi is wearing in these photos. All you have to do is.... follow @becomingthreads, and @bewise__themovement on Instagram, then tag a friend in a comment on the photo for this giveaway on each IG account so we know you are done! The winner will be announced on Wednesday July 20th.

BEcoming Threads is also offering 20% off your entire order at checkout if you use the code "simple20". So head over and pick up all your favorites while you can!

• Freebies and discounts from BE WISE and other partnering companies

• FREE access to ALL of our "Be Your Best Self" Magazines

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Speechlust is a company that has given power to words by creating jewelry that is not only beautiful, but holds meaning. We absolutely LOVE what they have created and the goodness they continue to spread through their one of a kind jewelry.

Speechlust is offering one lucky person the chance to win one of their stunning necklaces. To enter you must be following @speechlustand @bewise__themovement on Instagram. After you have followed both accounts, go to the Speechlust site HERE and pick out your very favorite word. Once you have picked your word, leave a comment on the photo on our Instagram about this giveaway explaining why you picked that word. The most creative entry will win a FREE necklace in that word! The winner will be announced on Friday July 8th.

Speechlust is also offering 10% off with code "BEWISE10", so head over to their site and stock up on all the beauties they have to offer!

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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

As part of our "Be Your Best Self" SOCIALLY theme we created the "What Is Your Purpose? 2-Week Challenge". This is a FREE online course that is delivered straight to your inbox. Each day for two weeks you will receive an email with a new challenge designed to help you discover your purpose.

To sign up for the challenge click HERE. For more "Be Your Best Self" goodies, click HERE. We can't wait to hear what you think about the challenge! Email us at hello@bewisethemovement.com and let us know!